Policy and Research Officer – LE– DFAT – Hague

Policy and Research Officer – LE4 – DFAT – The Hague

Final date to receive applications: 6 September 2026

Department: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: Australian Embassy, The Hague

Compensation: €4,814 / month

The successful applicant will be engaged on a non-ongoing 12 month contract as a locally engaged staff member by the Australian Embassy, The Hague.

The Fair Work Act 2009 is not intended to apply to the employment of Locally Engaged Staff (LES) at Australia’s overseas diplomatic and consular missions. The successful candidate’s terms and conditions of employment will be governed by the laws of The Netherlands.

Please be advised that the Australian Embassy, The Hague does not assist with relocation. Any costs associated with taking up the position would be the responsibility of the successful candidate.

Please note that all applicants must possess an existing right to legally live and work in the Netherlands. The Australian Embassy, The Hague, is not able to provide sponsorship and applications without appropriate and valid visa/ permit will not be considered.

The role of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally. This involves strengthening Australia’s security, enhancing Australia’s prosperity, delivering an effective and high-quality overseas aid program and helping Australian travellers and Australians overseas.

The department provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the Australian Government. DFAT also works with other Australian government agencies to drive coordination of Australia’s pursuit of global, regional and bilateral interests.

The Australian Government is seeking a Policy and Research Officer to assist in pursuing Australia’s interests across international organisations in the Hague, particularly the International Court of Justice (ICJ), International Criminal Court (ICC) and other international legal and accountability bodies.

The Officer will support the Australian Government’s ongoing pursuit of accountability for the July 2014 downing of flight MH17, including current litigation before the ICJ. Other matters the Officer may work on include international law and political, human rights and budget issues.

• Support Australia’s engagement in the International Court of Justice (ICJ), International Criminal Court (ICC), and other international legal and accountability bodies and institutions, including by ensuring effective governance by providing research, analysis, briefing material and administrative support to advance post priorities.
• Monitor, analyse and report on developments in international legal, political and accountability issues relevant to Australia's interests, including developments across Hague-based international organisations and institutions.
• Represent the Embassy at meetings of international organisations based in The Hague when required, including the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) and Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA).
• Monitor and report on MH17-related legal developments and support Australia's participation in ongoing MH17 accountability efforts and commemorative activities.
• Establish, maintain and develop a network of contacts to obtain information and influence outcomes.
• Coordinate visit programs and manage briefings for Australian Government officials and high-level visitors.
• Provide administrative, public diplomacy and policy support as required, including consular assistance in an emergency.

• Tertiary qualification in international relations, law or other relevant field or equivalent level experience.
• Sound research and analytical skills, including knowledge of international law.
• Strong liaison, representational and interpersonal skills, with ability to build and maintain networks.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (essential) and Dutch (desirable)
• Sound organisational skills and ability to prioritise,…